Degree: Doctor

Affiliation(s):

FCUP

Bio

Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto (FCUP), Portugal. Aggregation (Agregação) in Chemistry by FCUP in 2018, PhD in Physical Chemistry by Lund University, Sweden (2000), PhD in Chemistry by the University of Coimbra (1998), BSc in Biochemistry by the University of Coimbra (1992). At UPorto, lecturer of courses in physical chemistry, colloids & interfaces, thermodynamics, (nano)materials chemistry, general chemistry and biological chemistry.

Leader of the group "Surfactants, colloids and soft nanomaterials" at the Chemistry Research Center (CIQUP/RG3 - "Nanostructures & Self-Organization"), carrying out research in the development, characterization and applications of soft nanomaterials, including surfactants, polymers, polymer/surfactant mixtures, catanionic vesicles, liquid crystals, colloidal vectors for drug/gene delivery, hybrid nanomaterials, nanocomposites for various applications (energy-related reactions, imaging). President of the Colloids, Polymers and Interfaces Group of the Portuguese Chemical Society (2009-present) and chair/co-chair of several international conferences.

Director of the Master in Nanomaterials Science & Technology (FCUP, since 2022), director of the Doctoral Program in Chemistry (FCUP, since 2021), local coordinator of Erasmus Mundus International Master SERP + (since 2017) and former director of the Master in Chemistry (2018-22). Visiting Professor at Dep. Chem. Eng., MIT (2008), Roma Sapienza University (2007-08), Lund University (2001-08), Univ. Santiago de Compostela (2011-2015) and Univ. Adam Mickiewicz in Poznan (2018-24). Over 60 guest lectures and seminars at universities in Europe, Israel and the USA.

Published > 120 articles in specialized journal indexed in WoS / Scopus, with a h index = 37, 7 book chapters and 3 edited books. Supervisor of 7 post-doc researchers, 11 PhD theses, > 40 Master theses in Chemistry and Biochemistry, and more than 50 undergraduate and extra-curricular projects. General or local responsible researcher for several national and international R&D projects (with teams in Portugal, Sweden, Norway, Italy, Spain, France, Israel and Brazil).

 

Publications
Showing 5 latest publications. Total publications: 132
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1. Ternary (molybdenum disulfide/graphene)/carbon nanotube nanocomposites assembled via a facile colloidal electrostatic path as electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction: Composition and nitrogen-doping play a key role in their performance, Rocha, M; Abreu, B; Nunes, MS; Freire, C; Marques, EF in JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE, 2024, ISSN: 0021-9797,  Volume: 664, 
Article,  Indexed in: crossref, scopus, unpaywall, wos  DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.03.014 P-010-3W9
Abstract Nanocomposites have garnered attention for their potential as catalysts in electrochemical reactions vital for technologies like fuel cells, water splitting, and metal-air batteries. This work focuses on developing threedimensional (3D) nanocomposites through aqueous phase exfoliation, non-covalent functionalization of building blocks with surfactants and polymers, and electrostatic interactions in solution leading to the nanocomposites assembly and organization. By combining molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) layers with graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) to form a binary 2D composite (MoS2/GnP), and subsequently incorporating multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) to create ternary 3D composites, we explore their potential as catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) critical in fuel cells. Characterization techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction elucidate material composition and structure. Our electrochemical studies reveal insights into the kinetics of the reactions and structure-activity relationships. Both the (MoS2/GnP)-to-MWNT mass ratio and nitrogen-doping of GnPs (N-GnPs) play a key role on the electrocatalytic ORR performance. Notably, the (MoS2/N-GnP)/MWNT material, with a 3:1 mass ratio, exhibits the most effective ORR activity. All catalysts demonstrate good long-term stability and methanol crossover tolerance. This facile fabrication method and observed trends offer avenues for optimizing composite electrocatalysts further.
2. Recent advances in in vitro models simulating the female genital tract toward more effective intravaginal therapeutic delivery, Silva, B; Marques, EF Gomes, AC in EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG DELIVERY, 2024, ISSN: 1742-5247, 
Review,  Indexed in: crossref, scopus, wos  DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2024.2380338 P-011-MTV
Abstract Introduction: Intravaginal drug delivery has emerged as a promising avenue for treating a spectrum of systemic and local female genital tract (FGT) conditions, using biomaterials as carriers or scaffolds for targeted and efficient administration. Much effort has been made to understand the natural barriers of this route and improve the delivery system to achieve an efficient therapeutic response. Areas covered: In this review, we conducted a comprehensive literature search using multiple databases (PubMed Scopus Web of Science Google Scholar), to discuss the potential of intravaginal therapeutic delivery, as well as the obstacles unique to this route. The in vitro cell models of the FGT and how they can be applied to probing intravaginal drug delivery are then analyzed. We further explore the limitations of the existing models and the possibilities to make them more promising for delivery studies or biomaterial validation. Complementary information is provided by in vitro acellular techniques that may shed light on mucus-drug interaction. Expert opinion: Advances in 3D models and cell cultures have enhanced our understanding of the FGT, but they still fail to replicate all variables. Future research should aim to use complementary methods, ensure stability, and develop consistent protocols to improve therapy evaluation and create better predictive in vitro models for women's health. [GRAPHICS]
3. Cationic Serine-Based Gemini Surfactant:Monoolein Aggregates as Viable and Efficacious Agents for DNA Complexation and Compaction: A Cytotoxicity and Physicochemical Assessment, Oliveira, IS; Silva, SG; Gomes, AC; Oliveira, MECDR; do Vale, MLC; Marques, EF in JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL BIOMATERIALS, 2024, ISSN: 2079-4983,  Volume: 15, 
Article,  Indexed in: crossref, scopus, unpaywall, wos  DOI: 10.3390/jfb15080224 P-013-HQ9
Abstract Cationic gemini surfactants have emerged as potential gene delivery agents as they can co-assemble with DNA due to a strong electrostatic association. Commonly, DNA complexation is enhanced by the inclusion of a helper lipid (HL), which also plays a key role in transfection efficiency. The formation of lipoplexes, used as non-viral vectors for transfection, through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions is affected by various physicochemical parameters, such as cationic surfactant:HL molar ratio, (+/-) charge ratio, and the morphological structure of the lipoplexes. Herein, we investigated the DNA complexation ability of mixtures of serine-based gemini surfactants, (nSer)2N5, and monoolein (MO) as a helper lipid. The micelle-forming serine surfactants contain long lipophilic chains (12 to 18 C atoms) and a five CH2 spacer, both linked to the nitrogen atoms of the serine residues by amine linkages. The (nSer)2N5:MO aggregates are non-cytotoxic up to 35-90 mu M, depending on surfactant and surfactant/MO mixing ratio, and in general, higher MO content and longer surfactant chain length tend to promote higher cell viability. All systems efficaciously complex DNA, but the (18Ser)2N5:MO one clearly stands as the best-performing one. Incorporating MO into the serine surfactant system affects the morphology and size distribution of the formed mixed aggregates. In the low concentration regime, gemini-MO systems aggregate in the form of vesicles, while at high concentrations the formation of a lamellar liquid crystalline phase is observed. This suggests that lipoplexes might share a similar bilayer-based structure.
4. High efficacy of chloroquine-derived bile salts in Pluronic F127 micelles against blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum, Silva, AT; Oliveira, IS; Morais, I; Santana, S; Workneh, EA; Prudêncio, M; Nogueira, F; Ferraz, R; Gomes, P; Marques, EF in JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS, 2024, ISSN: 0167-7322,  Volume: 413, 
Article,  Indexed in: crossref, scopus, unpaywall, wos  DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2024.125986 P-017-1RQ
Abstract Colloidal nanocarriers can play a key role in the efficacious delivery of drugs, including antimalarials. Here, we investigated the ability of polymeric micelles of the block copolymer F127 to act as nanovehicles for two organic salts derived from chloroquine and human bile acids, namely, chloroquinium cholate (iCQP1) and chloroquinium glycocholate (iCQP1g). We have previously reported the strong in vitro antiplasmodial activity of these salts, which displayed IC50 values of 13 and 15 nM against blood forms of Plasmodium falciparum, respectively. By deriving from amphiphilic lipids, iCQP1 and iCQP1g also enclose the ability to act as surface-active ionic liquids (SAILs). The micellization properties of neat F127 and of the F127/SAIL mixtures were initially investigated to gain physicochemical insight into the interaction between polymer and bioactive SAILs, resorting to differential scanning calorimetry, surface tension measurements and dynamic light scattering. Micelle formation by F127 is an endothermic process strongly temperature and concentration dependent. Interestingly, this process is significantly changed when the molar fraction of SAIL (x(SAIL)) in the F127/SAIL mixture is varied between 0.33 and 0.90. Both SAILs favor the formation of mixed micelles by decreasing the micellization temperature, and (observed only when for x(SAIL) = 0.33) by synergistically decreasing the cmc. Concomitantly, the micellar size is reduced from 18 to 13 nm as x(SAIL) is increased from 0.33 to 0.90. Crucially, in vitro assays show that when the SAILs are loaded into F127 polymeric micelles, their antiplasmodial efficacy is substantially enhanced, with a significant drop in IC50, especially for the iCQP1/F127 system. This opens new possibilities for the nanoformulations of antimalarial compounds.
5. A sustainable approach for providing water repellency in textiles by using long-chain cellulose esters, Costa, C; Silva, C; Marques, EF Azoia, NG in CELLULOSE, 2023, ISSN: 0969-0239,  Volume: 30, 
Article,  Indexed in: crossref, scopus, unpaywall, wos  DOI: 10.1007/s10570-023-05311-8 P-00Y-HK2
Abstract Long-chain cellulose esters (LCCEs) are recently developed cellulose derivatives showing properties that are relevant to diverse applications, such as coatings, films and plastics. The nonpolar aliphatic tails of the fatty ester groups impart strong hydrophobic properties to LCCEs, the physicochemical basis for most of the proposed uses. In previous work, we developed LCCE-based formulations as hydrophobicity-promoting agents for pure cotton textiles. Herein, we aimed to expand the use of LCCEs as eco-friendly hydrophobic additives in textiles with different compositions, namely synthetic fibers and mixtures thereof. The LCCE-based formulations were applied by a conventional textile dry-cleaning industrial process, using three types of solvents (one conventional and two green alternative ones). We observed that even for synthetic fibers or blends, there was no need to use crosslinkers to anchor LCCEs to textiles, nor need for pre-treatments to promote an increase in hydrophobic capacity. Water-repellent textiles were thus obtained through sustainable flourine-free compounds, with easy and self-cleaning properties.